“So, what’s your plan exactly?” Frank Zhang, a praetor of New Rome, asked Denise. They had met before, Denise having first visit New Rome. Right now the three of them were striding through the streets of New Rome, letting Blake see it for the first time.
Denise shrugged, "We'll probably go to the Underworld to ask my mom for advice. The demigod who dropped us off here gave Sophie a portal to there.
Blake's eyebrows flew to his forehead. "I don't think we should trust that guy though."
Frank scoffed, "come on, Canadian bro." Immediately, he blushed and apologized. "Sorry. That was not like me at all."
“Blake,” Denise scolded. “Carl was a nice demigod. He brought us here.”
Blake began to open his mouth, “No, Carl’s-” he immediately shut it. “Nevermind,” Blake mumbled, looking down at his feet.
Frank glanced quizzically at his half brother. “Blake, is there something you’re not telling us?”
Blake quickly shook his head. “No. You know what, pretend I never said anything.”
“Blake… If you have something to tell us…”
“No. Seriously, forget it. Let it go.”
“Come on. If you tell us, it won’t be as bad.”
Both of them were getting on Blake’s nerves. He just snapped, “No. I can’t freaking tell you. Can’t you tell I was threatened not to say a word? Do you want me to be forever stuck in the eternal pits of damnation? Seriously. Just get off my back and shut up. Oh, don’t look so surprised, Denise, Frank. I’m not always cool and collected. Gods, why did I even agree to go on this quest?”
Denise and Frank stood silently for a moment. “Fine, if you’re not going to say anything, I’m leaving.” Blake stormed off, fuming.
Finally, Frank spoke up. “Well, if he didn’t want to tell us, he could’ve just said no.”
Denise sighed. “I guess he did. I’d better wait until he cools down to talk to him.”
Frank nodded, agreeing. “Do you want to see Hazel again?”
“Sure,” Denise nodded, “But let’s grab Sophie first.”

Sophie stared hesitantly at her older brother through the rainbow mist. “Malcolm? I have some news for you.”
Malcolm’s image peered at close as it could. “Sophie, are you okay? You look sick. I knew you shouldn’t have gone on this quest. It’s probably carsickness, or homesickness.”
“No. I’m fine, not sick or anything. It-it’s about Mom. Her Roman form, actually. As of August 29, 2000, Minerva was no longer a virgin goddess.”
Malcolm’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean? What does Mom’s Roman form have to do with your birth date?”
Sophie quickly shook her head. “No, um, I mean…” Reyna nudged her. “I-I-I gotta go.” She swiped her hand through the mist and heaved a sigh. “Sorry. I panicked.”
Reyna glared at her. “Just don’t tell anyone then. You don’t want Minerva to get in huge trouble.” Sophie gulped and slumped over. At least she wouldn’t have to confess to anyone any time soon.
The back door of the storage room swung open. It was Denise and Frank. “Sophie? Are you okay? You look sick to your stomach.” Denise peered at her.
Sophie opened her mouth to reply, and instead of a yes, her last meal came tumbling out.

Notes

Sorry I haven't been writing for a while, I had a ton of homework recently. Well, now I have to go finish some more. yay